PixverterHow to make your US visa photo (2×2) at home
- Ask someone to take a photo of you facing the camera, head and shoulders visible, in even light.
- Pick your country and document, then drop the photo into the box above.
- Download the digital photo, or the 4×6 print sheet with Pro.
DS-160 photo requirements
- Square digital image, 600×600 px minimum and 1200×1200 px maximum. Pixverter exports 600×600 px (2 in at 300 DPI).
- JPEG file of 240 KB or less. Pixverter's file is normally well under that; if the upload still complains, run it through Compress image to 200 KB.
- Head 50–69% of the image height, eyes 56–69% from the bottom, set automatically from the detected face.
- Plain white or off-white background, even lighting, neutral expression, both eyes open. No glasses.
Taking the photo at home
- Stand about 4 ft (1.2 m) from the camera, which should be at eye level. Ask someone else to take it; selfies distort faces.
- Face a window for soft, even light, with no shadows on your face or behind you.
- Wear everyday clothing (no uniforms) and remove hats unless worn daily for religious reasons.
Common reasons for rejection
- Shadows on the face or background, or a background that is not plain.
- Head too small or too large in the frame (fixed automatically here).
- Low resolution, blur, or a photo that has been retouched.
- Glasses: since 2016 they are not allowed except for rare medical reasons.
Frequently asked questions
Are my photos uploaded?
No. The AI model runs inside your browser, on your own device. Your photos are never sent to a server, which makes Pixverter safe for personal and confidential images.
Is the US visa photo the same as the passport photo?
The size and head rules are the same 2×2 inches. The difference is the upload: the DS-160 needs a square digital JPEG of 600–1200 px and up to 240 KB, which is what Pixverter downloads.
What if the DS-160 photo tool rejects my photo?
Check the lighting and background first, then the file size. A retake in better light fixes most rejections. The State Department's own photo tool has the final say.
How do I print it?
Download the 4×6 in print sheet (Pro) and print it as a standard 4×6 photo at any pharmacy or photo lab, then cut along the guides. Printing at "actual size" keeps the exact measurements.